Harrington said he has changed the grips on his club and has made his clubs a degree more flat. He has weakened his grip, lowered his hands slightly and pushed them forward. He now is over the ball when he starts his swing, instead of taking the club away from a moving position. He has less of a hip turn, but a bigger coil. That changed the plane in his back swing.

He also has changed his chin position at the top of his swing, to tuck in his head. He thinks that might be how he hurt his neck. And if that’s not enough, he wants his chest down through impact. Oh, and he has changed his putting routine.

The Irishman makes his 2011 debut in the Abu Dhabi Championship.

“I have never been more optimistic about my game, and I truly think the best years are ahead of me,” Harrington said. “I still feel like I am a young man and I am fitter and stronger than I have been at any stage of my life.”